Lap Band Post-Op Questions

Had my surgery Sept 11 - everything went great! WooWhoo! Even after speaking to the nutritionist and Mona ... now that I'm home, I have more questions... How much can I really drink?  I have been drinking only 1 oz/every 15 mins and I feel sooo thirsty.  I went back and checked my papers and sure enough it says to drink 1 oz/15 mins to stay hydrated.  I talked to a friend who's bf had the surgery back in May and she said the 1oz/15mins is only for the "meal" liquids and that her bf drank and drinks as much water as he wants, which is a lot more.  Can I drink more than 1 oz every 15 mins? Can I take a Gas-X? I'm guessing it's fairly common to have all sorts of gurgles, rumblings, and comotion going on in you digestive tract post-op. I feel like I have so much gas built up in me though and I am having a really hard time passing any of it. I did finally pass some while lying in bed this morning, but it just doesn't seem to want to come out any other time. I've been walking, tried laying on different sides of my body, and other suggestions friends have had to get it out with no success. My DH was listening and laughing at how loud the rumblings and gurlges have been. So now I'm curious, can I take a gas-x to help get it out? How much to eat?  This may be just a stupid question. My understanding is that I should be eating 4 oz for my meal. I'm doing great at eating my liquid pureed meals very slowly - so slow that I have to reheat before I'm done because they cool off too soon. I really cannot tell if I feel full or not after my long 4 oz meal. I think I have too many other things I'm feeling in my stomach right now between swelling, a little pain, gas and all the activity that seems to be going on in there. But yesterday I really felt hungry, I think it was a true empty stomach growl and it wasn't long after I had eaten my 4 oz. I ignored it rying to stick to only 4 oz meals, but I'm wondering as the swelling in my stomach goes down and since the band hasn't been filled yet, I'm going to be hungry and not feel full. Do I eat more than the 4 oz if I'm hungry? I'm guessing it's easier to stick to the 4 oz when you have the correct fill in your band - what do you do in the meantime?   My cousin's BF who's surgery was in May has had a few fills and he still eats 6 in subs and said Dr. H said he's doing fine because he's still eating less than he use to and is still losing weight and hasn't overeaten and vomited.   Thanks for answers!   Michelley - NP

Hi Michelley! Congrats on your band!  Obviously, you should follow what your surgeon tells you so I am just speaking from my personal experience. 1) I had no restrictions on liquids.  I could drink whatever I wanted whenever I wanted.  As long as it is comfortable & preferably calorie free, you should be ok. 2) I think I pretty much took so much gas-x, rolaids for gas and anything else for gas that it could be considered an OD.  But, it finally worked! 3) My guideline for food is 1 to 1.5 cups of food and that was for all of my stages - puree, unrestricted and restricted.  About 3 oz of solid protein, a few veggies and a small amount of carbs. Good luck in your weight loss and be sure to check out the band forum.  Lots of good people and info on there!

Hi Michelle, just keep sipping non carbonated liquids. You need to drink at least 64 oz. daily but drink more if you can. Go ahead and take gas x if you need it. Walking will also help with gas. You need to learn to SLOW DOWN when eating. Take a small bite of food, chew and swallow. Wait 3-4 minutes between bites. IF you are still hungry take another bite. You have to learn to recognize fullness. Stop eating when full. Good luck. Mona